During a recent business trip to Sweden I arrived a day early and had an enviable opportunity to take a private tour of the Koenigsegg Automotive AB factory, and to meet its founder, Christian Koenigsegg, an entrepreneur, inventor and innovator, who I now call a new friend as well.
Above I am standing in the Koenigsegg Factory holding a one piece and very, very light carbon fiber wheel. Koenigsegg Automotive AB was actually the first company in the world to successfully produce a one piece carbon fiber wheel — and then they placed it on a supercar going in excess of 200 MPH.
The more I hung around Christian Koenigsegg during my time there, over two days, the more I found to like and to admire. In many ways, as entrepreneurs seeking an ‘outsized excellence’ in all things we touch, and a transformational impact in our chosen space, we have a great deal in common.
Amongst a sea of other accomplishments, Christian has created arguably the fastest road legal car in the world; called the Koenigsegg Regera. And he actually drove me in it while I was there.
When I rode in the Regera, which is technically Chasis #2 (there was another Regera Chasis #2, but it was made for the purpose of being destroyed, for strength-testing purposes), it had only been ‘rolling’ for just about 2 weeks time. This means that I was also one of very few in the world who have had an opportunity to experience this masterpiece of technical and automotive design.
I have never gone so fast, with what felt like so little effort. The car just felt planted, effortless. At approximately 1500 HP, and with a top speed of 274 MPH, this makes the Regera the fastest road going car in the world. All hand made, 100% in the Koenigsegg factory. And did I mention that the Regera has no gear box? Only 7th gear.Unbelievable when you think about it, and I have only scratched the surface in describing what Christian has achieved here.
I will post several additional stories on my time with Christian and the Koenigsegg family over the next couple of weeks, but in the meantime you can find exclusive photos from my factory tour here on my Bryant Group Motorsports Facebook Page. More photos will be uploaded from the tour in coming week, so be sure to check back often. Enjoy. And try not to drool please. Smile.
Bryant Group Motorsports